03/13/2011

Sunday services

So hard to believe we just have two days left. We showed Brent & Megan's video at all of the Bethany services today, and many of our team members teared up at the realization that the trip is coming to a close. The days have been long and challenging, but we've been so blessed to be here and aren't quite ready to leave Sri Lanka.

It's been awesome getting to know members of Bethany and develop friendships with them. Thank goodness for facebook so we can keep in touch. :)

This morning the team split into four groups to visit four Bethany churches. In Kadawatha, we learned that just 8 years ago the churches were under heavy persecution--many church buildings were set on fire by locals who didn't want them in their communities. The pastor we spoke with shared that he was stabbed in the arm when he and his family began setting up a church in Kadawatha, but now--a year and a half later--they're continuing to minister to the people in their community and seeing the church grow.

This evening we attended the English service at the main Bethany campus before getting dinner at a Sri Lankan buffet with Pastor Dishan and members of the Bethany team whom we've worked with and befriended throughout the trip.

We're getting an earlier night before we begin our last (and longest) day of clinics tomorrow. So far we've seen around 250 patients and given away around 700 glasses! It's definitely been wonderful to have the opportunity to not only help with physical needs but also pray with patients and extend Jesus' love and hope.